Chapter 272

The corridors of Bette Frieman's office were adorned with framed accolades and magazine covers, a testament to the journalistic legacy of the woman behind the renowned investigative news network. As I strode alongside Penny, the weight of anticipation settled in my chest.

"Penny, are you sure about this interview?" I couldn't help but voice my concerns as we neared Bette's office.

Penny glanced at me, wearing a pleasant smile. "Evie, this interview will shed light on the truth. People need to know what's really going on. It's our chance to make a difference."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of our mission, yet a sense of apprehension lingered. "But won't this expose too much, put everyone at risk?"

Penny's resolve remained unshaken. "It's a risk we have to take. Like you said before, exposing their corruption will lead to awareness, pressure for change. It's worth it."

As we approached Bette's office, the unease within me grew, overshadowing the anticipation. I saw her behind the glass doors, scribbling something down on a sheet of paper. She noticed us at the door before we could announce ourselves, and she waved us in enthusiastically.

“Just take a deep breath,” Penny whispered to me, noticing how I paused in the door’s threshold as she opened it. “It’ll be fine.”

Bette greeted us warmly, her office exuding an air of authority and purpose. "Evie, Penny, it's a pleasure to have you here.”

“Ms. Frieman,” I returned, feeling Penny tug at my arm as she pulled me closer. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“The feeling is mutual. Please,” Bette said warmly, gesturing to the chairs in front of her.

Her office didn’t have the imposing look of someone wrapped up in serious business. It was pristine, but with a hint of casualty in its design. Instead of separating herself from us with a large desk, we were all seated on some couches with a round table in the middle.

“Anything I can get you two? A drink, perhaps?” she asked, motioning to a woman who I hadn’t even noticed standing in the corner. She sprung into action, pacing toward a table with a wide array of drink options.

“Oh.” I gulped, knowing that I needed to keep my head clear. “Just a water, please.”

“I’m fine for now,” said Penny.

“Right.” Bette set her notepad aside and eyed us with excitement. She rubbed her hands together and grinned. “Ready to prepare for the interview?"

Penny nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely, Bette!”

Bette turned to me, her keen eyes boring into mine. As her server handed me a glass of cold water, I barely had time to take a sip before Bette spoke.

"Evie, I'm curious. Why did you personally accept this interview?" Bette's question cut through the tension, prompting a surge of emotions within me.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before responding. "Bette, I have people in my life, including myself, who've been wronged by those who take their power for granted. Seeing my name dragged through the mud for something I didn't even want to happen was the final straw for me."

My voice wavered slightly, emotions bubbling to the surface. “The injustices I'd witnessed and experienced fueled a fire within me. Too many people are allowed to abuse their authority, or any shred of power that they gain. It’s disgusting.”

Bette regarded me thoughtfully, her expression a mix of admiration and understanding. "Evie, your determination and your story are powerful. I can work with that."

I sighed, relieved at her words. It was nice that she hadn’t brought me here strictly to judge. Of course, how she’d behave during the interview was a mystery to me.

As we discussed the approach for the interview, Bette's guidance and expertise were invaluable. Her insight into storytelling and the power of narratives painted a clearer path for me to navigate.

"Bette, how do we ensure that my story comes across authentically without putting myself or others at risk?" I asked.

Bette nodded. “There is a delicate balance we needed to strike, but we'll be careful. We'll focus on the essence of your story without compromising anyone's safety. Now, shall I show you two the studio we’ll be in?"

Bette led the way as we made our way to the studio. Upon entering, the controlled chaos heightened my nerves. The equipment, the set, the audience…I couldn’t imagine how it would look packed with people.

My interview with Carl Plunk had been closed off. It was only me, him, and a camera crew in a small room. Here, I would truly be exposed to the world, and live on TV no less.

Bette guided me into the makeup room, where the last-minute preparations would take place. “It’s important to get the makeup just right, so don’t worry about applying any beforehand. The right colors do wonders.”

As my eyes swept around the room, thoughts of Timothy crept into my mind. How would he react to this? I hadn't told him yet, unsure of how to broach such a monumental decision.

"Bette, what about the potential risks? How much do you think people will lash out?" I ventured, my voice tinged with concern.

Bette regarded me with a knowing look. "Evie, the truth comes with risks, but it's necessary. We're prepared for any backlash. It's about holding those in power accountable."

Her conviction was resolute, yet my mind continued to wrestle with the consequences. Would this decision endanger not just me but the people I cared about? I couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility weighing heavily on my shoulders.

The clock ticked away, and eventually we found ourselves in the bustling lobby. Bette turned around to face us and smiled.

"Evie, Penny, thank you for meeting with me today. Your story is powerful, and I believe it will resonate with many," Bette commended, shaking each of our hands.

"Thank you, Bette," I responded.

Bette bid us farewell, her parting words filled with encouragement. "Goodbye, both of you. I look forward to the interview. It's going to make an impact."

As Bette left us in the lobby, I couldn’t help but ponder over her words.

"I haven’t told Timothy yet,” I blurted out, catching Penny’s attention. “Do you think he should know?”

Penny shook her head violently. “You might get psyched out. You know how protective he is. Then again, he might be excited seeing you on TV. Maybe keep it a surprise?”

“You think he’d be excited?"

Penny nodded, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! It'll be a pleasant surprise for him.”

Her optimism was infectious, yet a flood of questions inundated my mind. "It is his story too, though. At least partly. I’m worried it might affect him."

Penny's expression turned serious. "Evie, we've prepared for this. And sometimes, the risks are worth it to uncover the truth. We'll be careful, I promise."

Her reassurance offered some solace, yet the nagging doubts lingered. Just as we finished, I glanced at the time and realized I was running late for my therapy session.

"I have to go, Penny. My therapy session starts soon," I explained, gathering my belongings in haste.

Penny nodded understandingly. "Of course, Evie. Good luck, and don't worry about the interview. You'll do great!"

With a nod of thanks, I rushed out of the building, navigating through the crowded streets. As I hurried along, lost in the whirlwind of my thoughts, an unexpected collision jolted me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, glancing up to see who I had bumped into.

My eyes widened in surprise as I recognized the face that loomed above me. It was none other than Alex Richards, the famous hockey player whose name once adorned posters and jerseys across the city.

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